by I love Margaret Atwood. I remember nearly losing it for laughing during an oral book report in high school relaying the funeral scene in Life Before Man, being stunned when I finished the Handmaiden’s Tale as a young undergraduate, and adoring the uniqueness of the Penelopiad last year. Imagine my surprise when this woman, who I’d characterise as a large influence on my development as a feminist, said she’d vote Bloc if given the chance as there’s no real alternative in Quebec.
I love Margaret Atwood. I remember nearly losing it for laughing during an oral book report in high school relaying the funeral scene in Life Before Man, being stunned when I finished the Handmaiden’s Tale as a young undergraduate, and adoring the uniqueness of the Penelopiad last year. Imagine my surprise when this woman, who I’d characterise as a large influence on my development as a feminist, said she’d vote Bloc if given the chance as there’s no real alternative in Quebec.
Of course, Atwood is critical of Harper’s cuts to the arts. While Harper was clear to point out during the English language debate what the PCO told him (that these programs weren’t particularly efficient), the Conservatives have messed up the spin so much on those arts cuts that the political hay continues to be made.
I doubt Atwood’s comments will sway many voters in Quebec, as the Quebeckers who care about the arts are far more likely to listen to francophone artists. I doubt Atwood would swing many voters in the Rest of Canada either, as those inclined to listen to Atwood are very likely not voting Conservative anyway.
As for me, Atwood’s comments cannot convince me to vote Bloc: Duceppe will easily win his riding, and I don’t want to give my $1.75 to a party that seeks to break apart my country. That said, if I was in a more competitive riding (say, Papineau), I might be inclined to be swayed by Atwood’s comments.